293. Writing for Impact: Shazad Carbaidwala on Creativity and Helping Others
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
Release Date: 05/28/2025
321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
321. Overcoming Creative Setbacks and Rejection In this solo episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan shares a candid look into the realities of the creative journey. Drawing from a month filled with rain-soaked events, rejection letters, and introspection, Mike offers hard-earned wisdom on what to do when creative opportunities don’t go your way. This episode is an honest companion for artists, makers, and creative thinkers who seek encouragement and practical advice for navigating rejection and creative ruts. 3 Key Takeaways: 🎨 Love the Process – Sustainable creativity isn’t...
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320. Tom Provost on Young Washington, Writing, and Servant Leadership
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
320. Tom Provost on Young Washington, Writing, and Servant Leadership In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan sits down with screenwriter, filmmaker, teacher, and creative storyteller Tom Provost for a conversation about his journey through film, writing, teaching, and the making of Tom shares the childhood experiences that sparked his love of stories, the long road of perseverance in Hollywood, and how his creative life has evolved in unexpected but deeply meaningful ways. 3 Key Takeaways for Creatives and Storytellers: Embrace Unexpected Paths: Tom Provost encouraged staying...
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319. Cuffy and the Power of Letting Go
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
319. Cuffy and the Power of Letting Go In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares a personal story about bowling, his playful alter ego “Cuffy,” and the surprising power of loosening control. What begins as a funny family memory becomes a deeper reflection on perfectionism, creativity, and the freedom that comes from showing up with more joy and less pressure.Mike explains how trying too hard often creates tension, frustration, and disappointing results—whether in bowling, pickleball, drawing, or creative work. He encourages listeners to stop white-knuckling their way...
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318. 14 Years of Daily Creativity: Embracing Imperfection and Rest
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
318. 14 Years of Daily Creativity: Embracing Imperfection and Rest Mike Brennan shares his personal journey through a health crisis, reflecting on the importance of embracing seasons of pause in creativity, and redefining what it means to practice consistently. This heartfelt episode explores vulnerability, resilience, and the true essence of a sustainable creative practice. 3 Key Takeaways: Embrace Imperfection: Even after years of consistency, life can throw you a curveball. It's okay if your creative streak isn't perfect—progress matters more than perfection. Prioritize Rest and...
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317. Live from Columbia TN: Creative Problem Solving and Jewelry Design with Warren Feld
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
317. Live from Columbia TN: Creative Problem Solving and Jewelry Design with Warren Feld\ In this episode of Creative Chats, we dive into the intricate world of jewelry design and creative problem-solving with Warren Feld, accomplished jewelry artist, designer, educator, and author. Warren shares his journey from creative discouragement in childhood to becoming a master of contemporary jewelry artistry, navigating challenges from material limitations to collaboration with clients. This conversation is packed with insights for artists, makers, and any content creators eager to expand their...
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316. Stop Giving Away Your Creative Power
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
316. Stop Giving Away Your Creative Power In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan discusses the importance of valuing oneself as a creative individual. He emphasizes the need for creatives to recognize their worth and not to seek validation externally. The conversation explores the challenges faced in the creative job market, including the pressure to accept undervalued work and the importance of self-awareness in navigating these situations. Mike shares personal experiences and insights to encourage listeners to stand firm in their creative power and pursue opportunities that align...
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315. From Leaving Law to Embracing Creativity: Casey Berman's Journey
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
315. From Leaving Law to Embracing Creativity: Casey Berman's Journey In this episode of Creative Chats, Casey Berman shares his journey from law to creativity, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in career transitions. He discusses the significance of identifying one's unique skills and strengths, overcoming fear, and embracing curiosity as a pathway to personal growth. Casey also highlights the role of creativity in professional development and offers practical strategies for managing fear and navigating change. The conversation concludes with insights into Casey's future...
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314. Finding Beauty in Brokenness Lessons from Kintsugi for Creatives
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
314. Finding Beauty in Brokenness Lessons from Kintsugi for Creatives In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan shares his experience with Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold. He reflects on the symbolism of Kintsugi, emphasizing the beauty of embracing imperfections and the stories behind our struggles. Through personal anecdotes, he encourages listeners to find value in their brokenness and to keep creating despite challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, authenticity, and the transformative power of art in our lives. Here are 3 key...
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313. Rediscovering Childhood Creativity
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
313. Rediscovering Childhood Creativity In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan explores the themes of creativity, mental health, and the importance of rediscovering childhood creativity. He shares his journey of self-publishing, the significance of networking, and how professional pressures can stifle joy in creative expression. Mike encourages listeners to reconnect with their creative roots and emphasizes the value of creating for joy rather than profit. He also discusses tools and resources to help individuals reignite their creative passions and the lifelong journey of maintaining...
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312. Building a Culture of Curiosity with Dustin Black
Creative Chats with Mike Brennan
312. Building a Culture of Curiosity with Dustin Black In this episode of Creative Chats, host Mike Brennan speaks with Dustin Black, an executive creative director at Preston Spire. They explore Dustin's unique perspective on creativity, the importance of resourcefulness, and how to teach creativity to the next generation. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on creative processes, the necessity of adapting to change, and the significance of fostering a culture of curiosity within teams. Dustin shares insights on celebrating wins in creative work and offers advice on balancing...
info_outline293. Writing for Impact: Shazad Carbaidwala on Creativity and Helping Others
In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan interviews Shazad Carbaidwala, who shares his journey from a childhood filled with creativity and athletics to becoming an author and mentor. Shazad discusses the importance of personal branding, the role of mentorship in his life, and the challenges he faced while writing his books. He emphasizes the impact of his work on others, particularly through his recent children's book, and reflects on his aspirations to continue helping people through his experiences and stories.
3 Key Takeaways:
🎨 Turn Life Experiences into Creative Fuel
Shazad shares how both good and challenging life experiences have shaped his creative process. By embracing your journey and transforming it into art or service, you discover meaning and create value for others.
🎨 Mentorship & Accountability are Game Changers
Shazad credits coaching and mentorship—especially from his athletic background—with instilling discipline and resilience. He emphasizes the lifelong impact of finding supportive mentors, asking for help, and later giving back as a mentor yourself.
🎨 Creativity Evolves with Service in Mind
Shazad’s work, from his memoir to his children’s book co-created with his daughter, highlights how creativity is most powerful when tied to service and community. Giving proceeds to charity, visiting prisons, and centering family in his work show creativity’s profound ripple effect.
Links and Resources:
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Shazad Khorbidwala on LinkedIn: Contact Shazad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shazad-carbaidwala-mba-csm-1088ab91/
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Mike Brennan’s Website: mikebrennan.me
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Daily Creative Habit resources & free Facebook group: dailycreativehabit.com
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Buy Shazad’s Books:
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Row - https://amzn.to/4krZlUP
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The Case of the Missing Mughal Bakery Cookies - https://amzn.to/44BzXXY
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For signed copies, contact Shazad directly through LinkedIn.
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Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to subscribe to Creative Chats and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring more conversations to fuel your creative path. Want help staying consistent in your creative practice? Explore the Daily Creative Habit membership and resources at dailycreativehabit.com.
Support Shazad’s mission—grab a copy of his books, connect on LinkedIn, and consider how your experiences might help someone else. Keep showing up and sharing your creative gifts—your story matters!